Cook, Garland, and Thomas

[brenthog]

With how well our team is playing, do we need them to contribute? I am not familiar with them. I know Cook was arrested and Garland has a medical condition. Any update on any of them and how much they would add to the Hog train right now?

[Razorod]

Yes we need them. Thompson and Gafford will have foul problems (Gafford fouled out today), we could really use Cook when we start to play teams with big men.

[Hogs run wild]

we need scoring from the 4, not just warm bodies.

[rude1]

Yes, tonight came close to illustrating why, both Gafford and Trey were in foul trouble, luckily they were able to work their way through it, going to need Thomas and Cooks size to get us through, if a situation arises during the season in a tight game to buy us some time without losing one or both those guys to fouls.

[wavybone]

Feel like Dustin Thomas would help with facilitating and stretching the floor. Garland would be another athletic guard who could finish and create. I think Arlando Cook is battling with Gabe O for a spot right now.

[NATEHOGG216]

When do they come back?

[Knot2brite]

From what I have gathered Garland may never play again but cook and thomas can help give us defensive minutes when/if Thompson and Gafford get into foul trouble. I am not as worried about them scoring a bunch but rebounds and solid low post defense is a worry

[lookawayquick]

Thomas back for OK. Likely a starter as they move into SEC play. Good rebounder and garbage guy.  Has an 8 foot in range.  Garland will be a slasher that can penetrate, score or dish. He'll be hard pressed to get serious minutes.  If, he is cleared to play.  Fingers crossed for him.  Other posters have said we'll know in early December about his health.  Cook?

[The_Iceman]

We need Thomas and Garland the most. We could use another guard for depth. Gabe is alright, but Thomas is just overall better at this point. Was never really impressed with Cook, but he could be a good option at the 3rd Center.

[Hawg Red]

We will need the depth to be able to play like we have been/want to as the season goes on.

[Danny J]

If they can't fit seamlessly into the way we are playing right now we are a legit top 20 team. This team is playing both offense and defense the way this style of ball is designed for. The defensive rotations on D plus the extra passes on O are outstanding. I am so impressed with this team early I just hope they can continue to get better.

[ADavisTheGOAT]

Luckily we are getting Thomas back after Fresno game. I really want to see what Garland can do, praying he gets cleared in December.

[navyhog24]

We need Thomas and Garland the most. We could use another guard for depth. Gabe is alright, but Thomas is just overall better at this point. Was never really impressed with Cook, but he could be a good option at the 3rd Center.

I was never impressed with Cook either. Gabe has proven to better than expected. He can really take the charges pretty well and is a better rebounder and defender than expected. I think we'll continue to see MA give Gabe some small mi utes as the season goes on as he continues to be the junkyard dog kinda guy.

[SPAL]

Don't be surprised if Gabe O doesn't cut into Dustin's minutes

[mhuff]

we need scoring from the 4, not just warm bodies.

I am always harping about points in the paint and defense being the keys to the success of our season. This game showed that they certainly can do these things. However, a lot of these points were scored by our guards taking it to
the hole. You do what the defense allows you to do. Eventually we will need a 4 that can score out on the floor.

I was especially impressed with Gaffotd. I had doubts about his FT shooting but his form looked good to me. I wish we had the other teams center. When he got the ball he knew what to do with it.

[labb]

I wouldn't give up on Cook just yet.

[brenthog]

From what I have gathered Garland may never play again but cook and thomas can help give us defensive minutes when/if Thompson and Gafford get into foul trouble. I am not as worried about them scoring a bunch but rebounds and solid low post defense is a worry

Do we suspect he wont play again???

[Dominicanhog]

I wouldn't give up on Cook just yet.

Yeah, it's nice when in a tight game and everyone has fouled out, to look down the bench and have a decent 6-8 SR..

[azhog10]

Yeah, it's nice when in a tight game and everyone has fouled out, to look down the bench and have a decent 6-8 SR..

Gabe is a lot longer than I thought. He definitely brings an ability to guard in the post.

[Letsroll1200]

The guys are embracing their roles on this team. Anton didn't force too many shots and played under control. Bailey will remain the starter even after Thomas return. Has energy and unselfish play is good with that first unit. Thomas is going to have to find his role on this roster or find himself on the bench.

[HawgHeadCheese]

Don't be surprised if Gabe O doesn't cut into Dustin's minutes

That won't happen. Thomas will be our  4th leading scorer.

[hogwood]

We may not need them but we'd sure be better with the depth they will provide, especially come SEC play.

[MakingPlays]

That won't happen. Thomas will be our  4th leading scorer.

I doubt Thomas will even be our 8th leading scorer.  That's just not his game in college, he's been in college 4 years now and has a career average of about 4 PPG.  Thomas will be Thomas, which is rebounding, running the court, not making many mistakes, and provide depth at the 4 spot.  He and Cook better get things together because Gabe is looking like he could be a player.  They can't afford to let him play too much longer and start gaining favor with Coach Anderson. 

[PonderinHog]

We may not need them but we'd sure be better with the depth they will provide, especially come SEC play.

Don't kid yourself, we'll need them.  The sooner they get back, the better.  Garland, at this point, would be icing on the cake.

[Porked Tongue]

Thomas you'll see any time now provided he doesn't go up in smoke.

Cook about the same.  Little loose end to tie up which might be very soon.

Garland is likelynever going to play.  (edited)

[rzrbackramsfan]

Thomas you'll see any time now provided he doesn't go up in smoke.

Cook about the same.  Little loose end to tie up which might be very soon.

Garland is never going to play.

How do you know? 

[blu]

That is a real shame on Garland if true. So sad for the kid, hope he takes advantage of his educational opportunity with UA. He is the one we are really going to miss/need NEXT year. We're gonna be really light next season in the experienced guard department. Really light.

[azhog10]

Thomas you'll see any time now provided he doesn't go up in smoke.

Cook about the same.  Little loose end to tie up which might be very soon.

Garland is never going to play.

Wouldnt say never. But will know in the next three to four weeks on if he will dress out this season. This type of thing could change over night but also may never change at all. Unfortunate bc you could put him on a minute restriction and monitor his heart and other things and he would probably be fine. But you don't want to be that 0.9%.

[Porked Tongue]

That is a real shame on Garland if true. So sad for the kid, hope he takes advantage of his educational opportunity with UA. He is the one we are really going to miss/need NEXT year. We're gonna be really light next season in the experienced guard department. Really light.

I think they are trying to be respectful.  I guess it's possible he could play again some day but the UA doesn't think it should happen here.
Hope that changes for him.

[lynbug]

Luckily we are getting Thomas back after Fresno game. I really want to see what Garland can do, praying he gets cleared in December.

What exactly is his heart condition?  Since I have a heart condition myself that many male athletes have...it has picqued  my interest.

[Knot2brite]

Do we suspect he wont play again???

From what I keep hearing it does not look good

[blu]

I think they are trying to be respectful.  I guess it's possible he could play again some day but the UA doesn't think it should happen here.
Hope that changes for him.

Wow, really sad for all concerned...

[ADavisTheGOAT]

  What exactly is his heart condition?  Since I have a heart condition myself that many male athletes have...it has picqued  my interest.

His dad told me this in a private message back in the summer before all this came out.

"He's fine! Slight heart murmur in which several people in my family had. I had one growing up. Just taking precautions!" It's possible that UA doesn't want to take any chances.

[lynbug]

His dad told me this in a private message back in the summer before all this came out.

"He's fine! Slight heart murmur in which several people in my family had. I had one growing up. Just taking precautions!" It's possible that UA doesn't want to take any chances.

Yeah, it makes sense.  There's a fine line between several heart condition, some minor, others major.  And when you look back in time at athletes, both high school and college, who went ahead played...and their condition got worse......I can see the logic on the university's part.

[HogFansReunited]

His dad told me this in a private message back in the summer before all this came out.

"He's fine! Slight heart murmur in which several people in my family had. I had one growing up. Just taking precautions!" It's possible that UA doesn't want to take any chances.

Problem is that if we play him and something does happen, it would look very bad on the university.

[HogFoo]

I had heard Thomas lost a little weight and really looked good. Looked totally different, was better.  Cook, didn't hear much on, but I wouldn't count him out. You guys know how it goes with Jucos.  They are either hit or miss in that 1st year and of a miss usually come on strong in the 2nd year.  Macon and Barford were pretty good 1st year and are stars in 2nd yr.  So, I really look for Cool to come on strong when he finally gets to play. I look for him to show why he was top 4 in overall juco ranks.  If he CAN do that, this team will be a deeep tourney team!  They will be amazing.  I'm still holding out hope for Garland to be cleared.   If he is cleared and doesn't redshirt, look out!  This team could be the deepest team we've had with talent and scorers since our title years! 

But, let's not jump ahead of ourselves here.  Yes, it's exciting to blow out these teams that are supposed to be good, had a lot of returning depth, and are supposed to win their conferences.  Very exciting to blow these guys out!  Let's wait and see how we do against OU, and then possibly UNC!  If we can win both those games or even split , beat OU, and say lose a close one to uNC, I'd be happy!  I'd definitely look to play against UNC in the big dance after we've hopefully added all of our pieces and they've gelled even better than they have already. 

Anyways, this is definitely gonna be an exciting year in basketball!  The talking heads aren't saying much about us yet, but if we do our thing,  we'll make them talk about us!

[CFB_Fanatic]

His dad told me this in a private message back in the summer before all this came out.

"He's fine! Slight heart murmur in which several people in my family had. I had one growing up. Just taking precautions!" It's possible that UA doesn't want to take any chances.

Well most likely if he has a heart murmur then he either has a condition with a heart valve or a patent foramen ovale (PFO), most likely the former. I don't remember a PFO being able to cause a murmur, but I would guess it would depend on how large it was.

If he was born with or has a defective valve, then he will likely need a valve replacement, in which they would place a mechanical heart valve for someone his age. That would then mean he would need anticoagulation therapy (aka "blood thinners")....which means no more basketball for him.

Hope that's not the case but murmurs are generally caused by this.

[azhog10]

Well most likely if he has a heart murmur then he either has a condition with a heart valve or a patent foramen ovale (PFO), most likely the former. I don't remember a PFO being able to cause a murmur, but I would guess it would depend on how large it was.

If he was born with or has a defective valve, then he will likely need a valve replacement, in which they would place a mechanical heart valve for someone his age. That would then mean he would need anticoagulation therapy (aka "blood thinners")....which means no more basketball for him.

Hope that's not the case but murmurs are generally caused by this.

I got that procedure done. It's tough early on but if it meant playing I'd get it done ASAP so I could play. You'll be on blood thinners but it would be worth it to me. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

[CFB_Fanatic]

I got that procedure done. It's tough early on but if it meant playing I'd get it done ASAP so I could play. You'll be on blood thinners but it would be worth it to me. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

Valve replacement? Even if he does it, he'll have to be on thinners and they almost 100% would not let him play

[3kgthog]

Since the Mayo Clinic has been mentioned, I highly doubt it's just a "slight" heart murmur. That's the kind of place you go when all local specialists have exhausted all their knowledge.

[The_Iceman]

I spoke to a doctor I know about this. He said the good news is he hasn't been ruled out already. The more serious heart conditions that shut down athletes there is no treatment. So if he had one of those, there would be no reason to delay any announcement or wait for further testings.

[swinesation]

That is a real shame on Garland if true. So sad for the kid, hope he takes advantage of his educational opportunity with UA. He is the one we are really going to miss/need NEXT year. We're gonna be really light next season in the experienced guard department. Really light.

This is true. Don't see C.J. or any of the incoming freshmen as likely to be leader of the team. Pretty clear that Jalen Harris will have to be the guy. Hopefully he's up to the task.

[HawgHeadCheese]

I doubt Thomas will even be our 8th leading scorer.  That's just not his game in college, he's been in college 4 years now and has a career average of about 4 PPG.  Thomas will be Thomas, which is rebounding, running the court, not making many mistakes, and provide depth at the 4 spot.  He and Cook better get things together because Gabe is looking like he could be a player.  They can't afford to let him play too much longer and start gaining favor with Coach Anderson.

Thomas is a SR now can't judge what he did last year because he was on a team full of scorers. Now that we need low post scoring he is the best candidate. Thomas excellent low post foot work he was just very hesitant or indecisive after making that move. He will be the key for our team once we play better opponents.

[azhog10]

Valve replacement? Even if he does it, he'll have to be on thinners and they almost 100% would not let him play

Being in blood thinners shouldn't keep you from playing. If monitored and checked your blood should be at normal levels and able to play basketball.

[mhuff]

Do we suspect he wont play again???

Nothing decided yet     Health issue if you haven't been following the past report. Your statement makes it sound like we all believe he won't play again. We DON'T know yet. Next report early December

[Big Nasty 34]

I think Thomas could bring a nice boost to the second unit. Right now we have Thompson facilitating from the top of the key with Bailey getting a lot of work down low. Thomas can fill Trey's role as a point forward with Gafford playing down low. The added length and experience should only help!

[CFB_Fanatic]

Being in blood thinners shouldn't keep you from playing. If monitored and checked your blood should be at normal levels and able to play basketball.

It wont be at normal levels though, thus why you take the blood thinners. Say for instance, they give him Coumadin and have a target INR of 2.5-3.5, which is what most surgeons want their patients at. Normal INR is 1.0, thus his blood would be 2.5-3.5 times as "thin" as the normal persons blood, leading to increased chances of bleeding with even minimal cuts and scrapes. This is not only dangerous for him, but also for other players who could be exposed to his blood and any diseases he may have that could be passed to them.

This was the logic that ended Magic Johnson's career. But all this is a moot point anyway. Theres no way to know what his condition is so it doesn't matter

[azhog10]

It wont be at normal levels though, thus why you take the blood thinners. Say for instance, they give him Coumadin and have a target INR of 2.5-3.5, which is what most surgeons want their patients at. Normal INR is 1.0, thus his blood would be 2.5-3.5 times as "thin" as the normal persons blood, leading to increased chances of bleeding with even minimal cuts and scrapes. This is not only dangerous for him, but also for other players who could be exposed to his blood and any diseases he may have that could be passed to them.

This was the logic that ended Magic Johnson's career. But all this is a moot point anyway. Theres no way to know what his condition is so it doesn't matter

I'm just telling you being on blood thinners does not come with stipulations that you can't play. Magic had AIDS and his blood obviously was a big deal. While on blood thinners there are things you want to avoid, like shaving with a razor. Being on blood thinners would not prevent you from playing sports. NHL, Baseball, and basketball players have played while on blood thinners. Obviously comes with a heightened risk, but in my years of being on them I have changed nothing in terms of my daily and physical activities.

[CFB_Fanatic]

I'm just telling you being on blood thinners does not come with stipulations that you can't play. Magic had AIDS and his blood obviously was a big deal. While on blood thinners there are things you want to avoid, like shaving with a razor. Being on blood thinners would not prevent you from playing sports. NHL, Baseball, and basketball players have played while on blood thinners. Obviously comes with a heightened risk, but in my years of being on them I have changed nothing in terms of my daily and physical activities.

But you weren't playing a collegiate contact sport.

Find me examples of athletes that are on blood thinners WHILE PLAYING. And, even if you can, find me an example of an athlete with an artificial heart valve while on blood thinners playing a collegiate sport.

Not trying to argue but CVICU is what I do for a living, I know how doctors and surgeons think with these things. I cant ever imagine any surgeon Ive worked for allowing it to happen. Way too much risk involved.

I hope for his and our sake it doesn't come to that, but if it does its likely a career ending situation

[azhog10]

But you weren't playing a collegiate contact sport.

Find me examples of athletes that are on blood thinners WHILE PLAYING. And, even if you can, find me an example of an athlete with an artificial heart valve while on blood thinners playing a collegiate sport.

Not trying to argue but CVICU is what I do for a living, I know how doctors and surgeons think with these things. I cant ever imagine any surgeon Ive worked for allowing it to happen. Way too much risk involved.

I hope for his and our sake it doesn't come to that, but if it does its likely a career ending situation

I just told you there are NHL players that play while on blood thinners.

No need to argue, just know what you are talking about.......
https://www.sbnation.com/2016/9/16/12930492/chris-bosh-blood-clots-miami-heat-thinners-examples

Again, I played college basketball and not once was i told I couldn't because of this. Sure there were precautions to take and if I was ever bleeding for any reason attention was needed right away. But I wasn't carrying a disease or anything that made me bleeding bad for others involved.